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Graduates at Regent University's commencement ceremony in Virginia Beach, VA 23464.

Regent University Commencement Information

Congratulations, Class of 2023!

Regent University holds an annual commencement at the end of the spring semester. This year’s commencement will be held on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at 9:15 a.m. EST.

Countdown to Graduation Day!

We are preparing a wonderful program that will honor the incredible achievements of each graduate. We are so proud of our Regent graduates, and we are thrilled to celebrate the Class of 2023!

Students must obtain approval to participate.

All students must have completed all requirements toward graduation prior to participating in commencement. However, due to the uniqueness of some programs and the fact that there is only one commencement yearly, Regent provides the opportunity for students who have not completed all requirements to participate in commencement, if they meet the following criteria:

  • Undergraduate students who have no more than three courses remaining for graduation. Students must be registered for these courses in the summer session. The coursework may include an internship or practicum experience, which can also be completed during the summer.
  • Graduate students who have no more than two courses remaining for graduation. Students must be registered for these courses in the summer session. The coursework may include an internship or practicum experience, which can also be completed during the summer.
  • Theses, dissertations, and portfolios must have been successfully defended or approved before the spring cut-off date (varies by school), with only final edits remaining.

Students approved to participate in commencement will be notified via email no later than March 17th, 2023

Once a graduation application has been submitted, the Registrar’s Office will conduct a detailed review. If everything is confirmed, they will post the degree and send an email notification to the student’s Regent email address. Students can also check their Genysis account for degree conferral information and view an unofficial transcript.  

Important Notes:

  • Degrees cannot be posted until after the term has ended and all final grades have posted.
  • Degrees are usually posted within 6-8 weeks after all grades are received. The Registrar’s Office is aware that many students have deadlines for job applications, licensure, raises, etc. and will work to process degree paperwork as quickly as possible.
  • Diplomas and certificates are ordered from a third-party vendor twice a month and generally arrive within six weeks after the order is placed. Graduates will receive an email when the diploma and/or certificate is mailed.

The 2023 Commencement Keynote Speaker will soon be revealed!

Regent University’s Commissioning Services are considered sacred ceremonies. Graduates are invited to reflect and worship with their peers and be recognized for their academic achievement. Family members and close friends of our graduates are welcome to join this cherished and significant tradition. All times will follow the Eastern Daylight Time zone for Virginia Beach, VA. Click here to view the Regent campus map.

The College of Arts & Sciences Commissioning and Walking
Friday, May 5 | 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM ET
Campus Location: Library Plaza

The School of Business & Leadership Commissioning and Walking
Thursday, May 4 | 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM ET
Campus Location: Library Plaza (outside)

The School of Communication & the Arts Commissioning and Walking
Thursday, May 4 | 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM EST
Campus Location: Shaw Chapel

The School of Divinity Commissioning and Walking
Thursday, May 4 | 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM ET
Campus Location: Library Plaza

The School of Education Commissioning and Walking
Thursday, May 4 | 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM ET
Campus Location: Shaw Chapel

The Robertson School of Government Commissioning and Walking
Friday, May 5 | 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM ET
Campus Location: Shaw Chapel

The College of Health & Behavioral Sciences* Commissioning and Walking
Friday, May 5  |  4:00 PM – 6:00 PM ET
Campus Location: Shaw Chapel
*This includes the School of Psychology & Counseling, School of Allied Health, and the School of Nursing.

The School of Law Commissioning and Walking
Friday, May 5 | 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM ET
Campus Location: Library Plaza

Commencement is the university-wide event that celebrates all graduates as a community. Graduates are able to experience special keynote messages from alumni, students, Dr. Robertson, and our featured speaker. Regent University views this ceremony as its most prized event.

Commissioning is an intimate occasion shared with fellow graduates, faculty, and distinguished individuals from a specific school of study. These events are centered around blessing our graduates.

No. Students can attend one, both, and none of these events.

If a student is graduating from multiple schools, they are eligible to attend more than one Commissioning.

Students can RSVP through their GENISYS account in the MyRegent portal. Select > Student Services > Commencement & Commissioning RSVPs to complete the prompts.

Oak Hall is Regent University’s personalized regalia provider. All students attending on-campus graduation events MUST have Oak Hall regalia. No other regalia is permitted.

Please visit https://regent.shopoakhalli.com/purchasewizard/Welcome to place your order.

We provide two options for regalia shipment. Students can have regalia shipped to their home directly or to Regent University for pick-up at designated times starting May 2023.

Orders that graduates request to be shipped to Regent University will be available to pick up on the following dates:

Wednesday, May 3 | 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Fountain View Room, Regent Ordinary (Student Center)

Thursday, May 4 | 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Fountain View Room, Regent Ordinary (Student Center)

Friday, May 5 | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Fountain View Room, Regent Ordinary (Student Center)

Graduates are strongly encouraged to pick up regalia prior to Saturday, May 6. However, regalia may also be picked up the morning of Commencement beginning at 8:00 AM at the regalia station near the student line-up.

It is recommended to order regalia as soon as possible.
The ship to home deadline is April 14th, 2023.
The ship to Regent University deadline is March 24th, 2023.

Students should contact the Registrar’s Office as soon as possible to communicate their regalia needs: registrar@regent.edu.

Regent University’s 2023 Commencement Ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 6, 2023, on the Virginia Beach campus, starting at 9:15 a.m. Graduates are asked to arrive on campus by 7:30 a.m. and to monitor their Regent email should additional details arise.

Each school holds a Commissioning ceremony to honor graduates by degree program. Graduates are requested to view and RSVP to their Commissioning ceremony through their GENISYS account in the MyRegent portal. Additional information with further details will be sent from schools as the date approaches

Commissioning ceremonies will be held on Thursday and Friday, May 4 and 5, 2023.

There will not be a guest limit or need for tickets for the ceremonies.

Regent University is pleased to partner with Herff Jones to offer personalized graduation items. Please visit colleges.herffjones.com/college/ru/ for more information.

Your diploma will be ordered approximately 6-8 weeks following the semester in which all program requirements have been completed.

No, diplomas will be made available six to eight weeks following the term in which degree program requirements are completed.

Graduates will walk and have their names read during the Commissioning ceremonies on Thursday and Friday, May 4 and 5, 2023.

Regent University certainly recommends The Founders Inn and Spa, which is adjacent to the campus. Hotels in the Greenbrier area of City of Chesapeake offer excellent proximity and amenities, as well.

You will always have access to your Regent email even after you graduate. You will have access to the portal about one year from your graduation.

For undergraduate students, Latin Honors will be determined after the conclusion of Session C, and qualifying students will be contacted. Honor cords will be provided if the student is participating in graduation ceremonies. Please refer to the catalog for cumulative GPA requirements.

For students with disability related needs, accommodations will be offered for all commissioning and commencement services. Students requesting disability related accommodations should fill out the Graduation Accommodations Request form below no later than April 3rd, 2023. Documentation to support the request for accommodation should be submitted no later than April 24th, 2023. 

Guests with disability related concerns can expect campus-wide accessibility services including assistance with transport from parking areas to services as well as communication accommodations. Handicap parking will be available on-campus by decal only. Guests with handicap decals should follow the signage and traffic direction to the handicap parking locations. 

For any accommodation or accessibility questions or concerns, please email disabilities@regent.edu or call at 757.352.4485. One of our coordinators will be happy to connect with you and assist you.

GRADUATION ACCOMMODATIONS REQUEST FORM

"*" indicates required fields

Name:*
Events Needed:*
Type of Accommodations:*
Max. file size: 20 MB.
Please submit medical documentation along with your request—This should be from a licensed professional who can verify the diagnosis of a disability. Or, you may send documentation to disabilities@regent.edu by April 24, 2023.

Commencement Regalia

Order Regalia for this year’s commencement ceremony. Learn where to order and get details about the cost.

A graduate at Regent University's commencement ceremony in Virginia Beach.

Purchase your academic regalia through Oak Hall at https://regent.shopoakhalli.com/purchasewizard/Welcome.

Please note that only Oak Hall regalia may be worn by graduates for on-campus related commencement activities. 

  • Deadline to ship to home: April 14, 2023
  • Deadline to ship to Regent: March 24, 2023

You are encouraged to select the ship-to-home direct option. The ship-to-Regent option may be most convenient for residential and international students.

**Orders that graduates request to be shipped to Regent University will be available to pick up on the following dates:

Wednesday, May 3; 10 am – 7 pm
Fountain View Room, Regent Ordinary (Student Center)

Thursday, May 4; 10 am – 7 pm
Fountain View Room, Regent Ordinary (Student Center)

Friday, May 5; 8 am – 5 pm
Fountain View Room, Regent Ordinary (Student Center)

Graduates are strongly encouraged to pick up regalia prior to May 6. However, regalia may also be picked up the morning of Commencement beginning at 8 am at the regalia station near the student line-up.

Undergraduate regalia package (robe, cap, and tassel)
$30 plus shipping, handling, and tax.

Master’s regalia package (robe, cap, hood, and tassel)
$50 plus shipping, handling, and tax.

Specialist’s regalia package (robe, cap, hood, and tassel)
$50 plus shipping, handling, and tax.

Doctoral regalia package (robe, tam, hood, and tassel)
$87.00 plus shipping, handling, and tax.

Oak Hall offers a variety of shipping options. See the Oak Hall website for details.

How to Make the Most of Your Regent – Alum Status

Good News! You have an exceptional alumni community available to help you stay connected once you graduate. Here are two ways to stay engaged with Regent Royals around the world and stay up to date with what’s happening at the university. 

  1. Follow us on social!
    Find us on Facebook, Instagram, & LinkedIn by searching “@regentalumni”. You’ll find regular posts about university and alumni events, alumni achievements, and more! 
  2. Build your profile on the Regent Alumni Websitewww.RegentAlumni.org
    This is your one-stop hub for alumni business listings, class notes, spotlight stories, and details on your nearest alumni chapters.

If you’re local, we’d love for you to come to Regent events such as weekly chapels or theatre performances. Also, feel free to stop in to say hi in Administration Building Suite 128. 

We welcome all our alums to email us anytime at  alumni@regent.edu or call us at 888.294.2586. We’re here for you!

Graduation Keepsakes – Herff Jones

Through our partnership with Herff Jones, you can get your graduation announcements, class rings, and other keepsakes. To order any of these items just visit colleges.herffjones.com/college/ru/.

REGENT KEEPSAKES

Get your Regent University keepsakes like a 2023 Commencement T-shirt, alumni swag, class rings, and more!

Regent University souvenirs that may be purchased during the graduation celebration in Virginia Beach.

Pre-order your exclusive 2023 Commencement T-shirt, listing the names of all the graduates confirmed through the Registrar’s Office.

https://www.thecommencementgroup.com/regent/

Shirts are white, standard unisex sizing, and 100% cotton.
Cost: $30 each, plus $4.99 shipping per order.
No order limit.

***********

You can also pre-order flowers and Teddy bears for pick up on Commencement Day!

Any gifts ordered through the site can be picked up on Saturday, May 6 at either of the Commencement Flowers tents. Gifts do not have to be pre-ordered, but supplies will be limited on Commencement Day.

Day-of purchases are first come, first serve.

If you are not planning to join us in person for the 2023 Commencement ceremonies, you can still order a shirt to be mailed to you. That link is available here: 
https://www.thecommencementgroup.com/regenttees/

These are the same shirts as above, just available for direct mailing and will not be available for pick up at Commencement.

Hurry! Orders must be received by May 17, 2023.
Shirts will be delivered by early June.

Celebrate your accomplishment by purchasing your alumni gear and diploma frame.

Enjoy EARLY BIRD SAVINGS on Diploma frames March 15-31. Receive a 10% discount at checkout. Use PROMO CODE “earlybird”

Remember that, through the alumni partnership with Herff Jones, you can get your graduation announcements, class rings, and other keepsakes. To order any of these items just visit colleges.herffjones.com/college/ru/.


Other Commencement Resources

About to graduate and need to update your career development skills? As a Regent alumnus, you have access to coaches, premier online career assessments and job listings available through Handshake. Let us be a part of your continuing career journey! https://www.regent.edu/resources/center-for-student-happiness/career-services/

Upcoming Career Workshops – The Office of Career Services will offer virtual career workshops this summer. Please continue to check out our events page for updates.

Make an appointment on Handshake to meet with a Career Coach to go over your resume, cover letter, practice mock interviewing or update your LinkedIn profile to better stand out to employers.

We’re proud of your accomplishments and excited for all that is ahead for you. One of the best strategies for continued success is to commit to being a lifelong learner. Stay connected through social media, send updates to your schools and our alumni team, and, when you’re ready to explore additional certificates and degree opportunities, please reach out!

Regent.edu | regent.edu/info | 800.373.5504

Did you know that all borrowers of Federal Student Loans are required to complete Exit Counseling when you graduate? Through an online session, you will learn your load repayment schedule, obligations, and rights to deferment and/or cancellation.

Student loan repayment has been substantially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, the information contained in Exit Counseling is of heightened importance. We strongly recommend students carefully review the material presented to them in Exit Counseling, provide up-to-date information their loan servicers can use to communicate with them, and carefully monitor their loans through the Federal Student Aid website. Any changes regarding loan servicer points of contact for the borrower, the temporary pause on loan repayment, and the loan forgiveness program currently being reviewed by the courts will be provided to students online here. 

To review the Exit Counseling requirement and complete your session, visit studentaid.gov. Speak with your academic advisor regarding any additional financial aid wrap-up questions. finaid@regent.edu | 757.352.4385

Regent University is proud to recognize the service and sacrifice of veterans and those currently serving in the U.S. military. One way we do this is by offering honor cords that may be worn at school commissioning ceremonies and commencement. These cords do not need to be ordered or purchased. If you are a graduating student and U.S. military active-duty service member, veteran, reservist, National Guardsman, or ROTC cadet or midshipmen, simply verify your current military status in Genisys through my.regent.edu to ensure you receive a cord. You may pick up your honor cord in the Welcome Center between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays or on commencement day starting at 6:30 a.m. If you are unable to attend commissioning and commencement, you may request that an honor cord be mailed to your home by sending an email with your first and last name, student ID, and complete mailing address to military@regent.edu.

If you are both a military dependent AND a military veteran or service member, you must note your eligibility status so that you are flagged for inclusion (A dependent-only status would not qualify for the cord.). We salute you for your service!

Any questions? Email the Military Resource Center at military@regent.edu.

To the Class of 2023, we love you, we are proud of you, and we are always cheering you on.